I'll end the 11-plus, says deputy contender Hain

Peter Hain would abolish the 11-plus if he becomes deputy leader of the Labour party

The future of England's remaining grammar schools was in doubt today as Peter Hain pledged to end the 11-plus.

The front-runner for the deputy leadership of the Labour Party made clear he would push for a change in policy should he succeed John Prescott.

Speaking at a fringe meeting, the Northern Ireland Secretary boasted how he had successfully scrapped the 11-plus in the Province.

Asked if he would do the same in England, he replied: "I have just abolished the 11-plus in Northern Ireland and that's my view."

At the moment grammars can only be abolished if the majority of parents agree in a local ballot.

But Mr Hain indicated he would make it easier to scrap them. He also used the event to take a swipe at his deputy leadership rival Harriet Harman over a call for the public to have a greater say on foreign policy.

He said Ms Harman's proposal was "amateurish", adding: "I would say, having served in the Foreign Office on two separate times, foreign policy is very complex. Negotiating strategy towards Iran was not something you can debate out in public."

Former foreign secretary Jack Straw, another possible contender for the deputy leadership, was also scornful of Ms Harman's proposal. Alan Milburn attacked Mr Hain and Ms Harman for using the conference to campaign for the deputy leadership.

Asked about his own leadership ambitions, Mr Milburn snapped: "We need fewer hats being thrown into the ring and a few more ideas on the table."